REHABILITATION STRATEGIES FOR PATIENTS WITH SARCOMAS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Relevance: Due to modern treatment methods, sarcoma patients’ survival rate is increasing. Rehabilitation helps to minimize physical and functional limitations caused by aggressive therapy, improves mental health, and promotes social and professional adaptation. Since sarcoma predominantly affects working-age people, rehabilitation plays a key role in restoring body functions, improving the quality of life, and reintegrating patients into society.
The study aimed to analyze the scientific literature on modern approaches to rehabilitating sarcoma patients.
Methods: A search and selection of articles were conducted in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and RSCI databases using the main keywords and phrases: «orthopedic oncology,» «sarcoma,» «rehabilitation,» and «rehabilitation strategies.» The review included articles published within the last 10 years relevant to the topic. Case reports, correspondence, letters, and studies not conducted on humans were excluded from the review.
Results: The article presents data on selecting the most effective rehabilitation technologies for sarcoma patients and provides
arguments for implementing new approaches and methods into clinical practice. Rehabilitation is divided into several main types: medical (which involves physiotherapy, the use of medications, etc.), physical (based on the restoration of the range of motor functions, coordination, and strength), psychological (includes work on the patient’s psycho-emotional state), social (implies the patient’s return to social activity, assistance in the adaptation period), rehabilitation using modern technologies (assistance from robotic systems, computer simulation of augmented virtual reality, the use of smartwatches and fitness bracelets). Individually selected and adapted rehabilitation concepts within a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary setting are essential for optimizing function in patients with sarcoma.
Conclusion: Rehabilitation of patients with sarcoma is not only a medical but also a social task. Successful recovery of patients contributes to their full return to active life, which is of critical social importance.